--- title: "Design Distinctions — Interior Designers & Decorators | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/design-distinctions-pfvwus-pf~1040197012 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1040197012.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Design Distinctions" category: ["Interior Designers & Decorators"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/cc33b9310f6b38ef_5501-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "10012 N. Dale Mabry Hwy. Suite 102, Tampa, Florida 33618, United States" latitude: 28.0763 longitude: -82.4852 phone: "(813) 416-3319" website: http://www.DesignDistinctions.com rating: 4.9 review_count: 13 best_of_houzz_awards: 2 followers: 168 last_updated: 2026-08-30 --- # Design Distinctions Original Houzz profile: [Design Distinctions](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/design-distinctions-pfvwus-pf~1040197012) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Interior Designers & Decorators - **Location:** Tampa, FL - **Serves:** Tampa, Town 'n' Country, Palm Harbor, Carrollwood Village, Dunedin, Carrollwood, Lake Magdalene, Citrus Park, Keystone, Tarpon Springs, Westchase, Greater Northdale, Trinity, Safety Harbor, Oldsmar, Odessa, Beaches - **Houzz rating:** 4.9 out of 5 (13 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 2 awards (2014–2016), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 1,000 Ideabook Saves We understand not everyone wants to live in a pristine showplace, but to experience living comfortably in beauty. We help clients realize their dreams while working within a reasonable budget. Unwittingly, Susan was immersed in the challenges of interior design as the child of an often transferred military officer and a mother who was determined to make every new house a HOME. After college, she began restoring turn-of-the-century homes for rental & sale, developing her knowledge of construction and the unique challenges that come with remodeling. She also began studying interior design & decoration. Today, Susan combines her experience, knowledge and talent to bring innovative and personalized design solutions to her clients. Let us help you with your home remodeling or interior design project. Call me and we can set up a consultation! ### Services Provided - Interior Design - Kitchen Design - Bathroom Design - Living Room Design - Bedroom Design - Color Consulting - Space Planning - Furniture Selection - Kids Bedroom Design - Dining Room Design - Custom Cabinets - Custom Kitchen Cabinets - Lighting Design - Custom Built-ins - Floor Plans - Custom Bathroom Vanities - Playroom Design - Custom Furniture - Laundry Room Design - Nursery Design - Custom Blinds & Shades - House Plans - Custom Home Bars - Closet Design - Universal Design - 3D Rendering - Custom Bookcases - Custom Walk-in Closets - Custom Entertainment Centers - Custom Rugs - Custom Fireplace Mantels - Wine Cellar Design - Sustainable Design - Custom Shelving - Custom Pantries - Home Staging - Downsizing - Drafting - Holiday Decorating - Decluttering - Kitchen Remodeling - Custom Furniture Design - Furniture & Accessories - Furniture Selection & Purchasing - Home Office Design - Whole Home Revenovations - Window Treatments ### Areas Served - Tampa - Town 'n' Country - Palm Harbor - Carrollwood Village - Dunedin - Carrollwood - Lake Magdalene - Citrus Park - Keystone - Tarpon Springs - Westchase - Greater Northdale - Trinity - Safety Harbor - Oldsmar - Odessa - Beaches ### Typical Job Cost $2,000 - $150,000 Every project is different. Please visit my web site or call for more information. ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Design Distinctions | | Address | 10012 N. Dale Mabry Hwy. Suite 102, Tampa, Florida 33618, United States | | Phone | (813) 416-3319 | | Website | http://www.DesignDistinctions.com | | Followers on Houzz | 168 | **Social profiles:** - LinkedIn — http://www.linkedin.com/in/susanjacksondesigns ## Offers Significant Savings On Furniture! _Ask Me How_ ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Design Distinctions](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/design-distinctions-pfvwus-pf~1040197012) - **Website:** http://www.DesignDistinctions.com - **Phone:** (813) 416-3319 ## Credentials - **Best of Houzz:** 2 awards (2014–2016), for Service. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 4.9 out of 5 — 13 reviews** ### Reviews **★★★★ — chris11rose, July 2015** > Susan was very knowledgeable and very helpful with suggestions for the accessories & furniture. I was very pleased with her design and would use her again. **★★★★★ — nbaily5000, May 2015** > Susan completely redecorated our family room - from top to bottom. This is the room we spend the most time in so we wanted it to be special. Susan exceeded our expectations. Everything is beautiful and the overall feel is very warm and family friendly. Just like we wanted. We couldn't have asked for more. **★★★★★ — wildbillbuxton, Dec. 2014** > My husband and I were painting the interior of our home and were having trouble finding the paint colors that we felt was best for several rooms. Our friend had Susan decorate her home recently and we liked the colors Susan had suggested for her, so we employed Susan to advise us. Susan listened attentively , showed us several options and helped us to come to a conclusion that we both could agree on. The colors turned out to be perfect for our home and we felt Susan was a great help to us. We would employ her again without reservation. **★★★★★ — diannemerrill, Nov. 2014** > Susan is very professional, knowledgeable, has great ideas, and works to achieve a vision for the space. I hired her to do a space plan for my living room. She worked a plan using my existing furniture. We had wood flooring installed and rearranged the furniture. At first, I wasn't sure the new arrangement would work for us. It turned out great, especially for entertaining our family events. I then hired Susan to assist with colors for painting. I can't wait to move forward on this project. She is fantastic and professional! **★★★★★ — mcmahorf, Sept. 2014** > I hired Susan after interviewing several local designers and she made me feel the most “at ease” with the design process. This was my 1st foray into the world of home renovation and I needed some serious professional help. Susan not only provided this help but she provided the professionalism and self-assuredness that only a competent professional can provide. She guided me thru the process in a methodical process that, although I trusted her, my 30 years as a military officer, left me very skeptical at times. Susan being the consummate professional that she is held my hand thru my skepticism and made me a believer. She completely redesigned my 25 year old home and really “knocked it out of the ballpark” as they say. The results of the complete “re footprinting” of my downstairs living, kitchen and dining area were totally outrageous and not only draw “oohs and aaaahs” from neighbors and visitors alike but also from the craftsman who were involved in the process with me. > My home has become the focal point in the neighborhood to show neighbors what is possible in our 25 year old homes. She found craftsman for me and kept me within my strict fiscal constraints by using creativity and “work arounds” if they became necessary. > Susan and I are currently working on doing bathroom renovations in my home and she has made me a believer in this whole process. I wholeheartedly endorse her for your project big or small. You will be pleased !!!!!! **★★★★★ — josephinef, Nov. 2013** > I have worked with Susan Jackson on various projects for about 6 years. Her expertise and knowledge has made our clients feel very comfortable and satisfied with the results. She is open to new ideas, and thinks outside the box in designing, for clients that are looking for something new and fresh. Not only do I enjoy working with Susan for her professionalism and expertise, but she is also become a goo and personal friend. > Always looking forward working with Susan. > Thank you > Josephine @ Florence marble and Granite **★★★★★ — Sharon, Oct. 2013** > Susan, with Design Distinctions, was very professional and worked really well with my budget and ideas. > > I had 3 major areas needing to be refreshed and Susan provided me with an overall plan for color and style. Susan coordinated the makeover of my family room, dinette, and kitchen. These rooms flow together and the overall color and theme needed to be coordinated. Susan's services included the selection and purchasing of area rugs; choosing fabric for curtains and having them professionally made; suggesting and purchasing accessories (art, lamps, tables, side chairs, etc.; selecting new cabinet doors and pulls for my kitchen. Susan did all the heavy lifting, making all the design decisions and coordinating the execution of the plan, however, she included me by allowing me to sew pillows and chair cushions. She also executed this plan while working within my budget and timeline, and by working with pieces of furniture I wanted to keep. The outcome was fabulous and we have been enjoying the rooms now for about a year. > > Recently, Susan helped me select carpeting for the bedrooms and we will be working through plans for my living room and dining room. **★★★★★ — elsicarol, Sept. 2013** > We purchased a home in Florida for our retirement but were still living up north while we readied our other home for sale. We wanted a complete remodel of our new Florida home but wanted it completed before we moved down. We hired Susan to provide construction drawings and she managed the project, working with our general contractor, from start to finish. She designed our new floor plan, selected all our new furnishings and décor, and we walked into our beautiful new home ready to start enjoying it. Through the entire process she kept in constant communication with us and sent us photos letting us know the progress of the remodel. We couldn't be more pleased! Susan has our highest recommendation. **★★★★★ — Manny Ac, Sept. 2013** > I hired Design Distinctions after my wife and i could not come to any agreement at all replacing 1400 sqft of mixed flooring. We were going to break up a Dining Room-hall and Living Room wit carpet and tile. We had shopped the big box stores all over Tampa. then we went to the smaller stores and dicount tile shops. We brought home samples of tiles that were not even made right (not level). So out of frustration on not knowing what to do and about to spend $9200.00 on some thing we were not sure of we gave up the plans for new flooring. > > Two weeks later we find thses peole and Susan come out and starts say yes to this and no to that. (its way better when she says no to my wife then me). The truth of the matter is she knew what she ws talking about. Where the tile should be placed in each room . The direction of the tile and the wood flooring. They even made tile frames around our dinning room table to show off the table. We went to her pro carpet and tile place and got a MUCH lower rate for the product we chose then any place else. We saved $2600 and got better flooring then we looked at before. I guess in a sense hireing them cost us nothing and saved many arguments here. Thanks for the great Job. :) **★★★★★ — C&C Cabinets, Sept. 2013** > I highly recommend Design Distinctions. We enjoy working with this firm because of their in depth kinowledge in their field. The attention to details that often are overlooked by other firms and designers. They work with their clients by learning and understanding the clients needs and wants and are able to execute them within established timelines and budgets. Professional. personable, budget conscious and innovative. I would not hesitate to refer them to my best customer , business associate or family member. **★★★★★ — emjimenez2013, Sept. 2013** > One of my co-workers told me about Susan and showed me before and after pictures of how Susan transitioned their home...what an awesome transition it was. I couldn’t believe the difference Susan made. After seeing those pictures, I contacted Susan for a consultation. I am so pleased with the work that Susan did in our home; her creativity helped us transition a cold dull room into a warm living space for us and our guests to enjoy and did all this staying within our budget. She exceeded our expectations. It has been a pleasure meeting and working with Susan and I look forward to working with her again for other projects we want done in our home. Elaine J. **★★★★★ — pooh44bear, Sept. 2013** > Susan is a very motivated person who pays particular attention to detail. Most impressive is the way she weaves your personal interests into her interior design which makes her work stand out and one of a kind. She is honest, timely and stands behind her work without any questions. A true pleasure to do business with. I highly recommend her! You won't regret using her services! ## Selected projects - [Carrollwood Family Room](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/carrollwood-family-room-pj-vj~1103076) - Location: Greater Carrollwood, FL - Photos: 5 - Description: The "Before" room was very dark and had an entirely brick fireplace, including the mantle. I wrapped it in painted wood and added doors to the bookcases on either side for closed storage and to clean up the look. A built-in unit matching the bookcase doors was also added behind the sofa. This was a ceiling to floor makeover. - [Westchase Bath](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/westchase-bath-pj-vj~362513) - Location: Tampa, FL - Photos: 11 - Description: This "His" and "Hers" master bathroom is the perfect mix of masculine and feminine. The Glam comes in through the sparkling glass framed mirrors, silver jewelry-like pulls and the luxury of double shower heads and bath with hand-shower. What makes Him happy is the use of natural materials such as travertine and driftwood, clean lines and the ample, easy-to-access storage. What makes Her happy, here is no more clutter on the counter with everything within easy reach. Another great thing about thi… - [Tampa Living Room](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/tampa-living-room-pj-vj~446212) - Location: Tampa, FL - Photos: 7 - Description: This beautiful family room mixes antique and contemporary pieces to create one seamless casual yet sophisticated space. The touches of gold add just the right amount of sparkle to balance the distressed pieces and the glossy white ceramics bring a bit of brightness to keep the overall room from feeling too dark. This room also incorporates many textures and patterns, making it visually stimulating. And as is common in my work, our natural world is reflected throughout the space. - [Carrollwood Cottage Re-Design](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/carrollwood-cottage-re-design-pj-vj~362525) - Location: Greater Carrollwood, FL - Photos: 3 - Description: This client already had most of the furniture, but everything else was kind of drab. She found a fabric she loved we used it as a starting place for the refreshing of the whole space. It resulted in a beautiful little spruce up! - [Trinity Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/trinity-home-pj-vj~660040) - Location: Trinity, FL - Photos: 3 - Description: This homeowner LOVES color and bright spaces. This is what individualized interior design is all about. :) [See all 5 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/design-distinctions-pfvwus-pf~1040197012) ## Ideabooks - [Berdine Family Room](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/153143554/list/berdine-family-room) — 46 ideas - [Laundry](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/1847640/list/laundry) — 4 ideas - [Accents Walls](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/17708270/list/accents-walls) — 3 ideas [See all 3 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/susanwiel) ## Community Q&A **Q: How much is table with plant?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Hello Shellart5, The table is something the homeowner already had and wanted to reuse. I'm sorry I don't have more helpful information for you! **Q: Where did you get the Branch towel holder** *(in Photo Questions)* Is available for purchase? A: Thank you for your interest!! I spent a lot of time searching for just the right thing for that space :) The towel holder was custom made from the roots of a fallen tree found in the surf around Marco Island, FL. **Q: Florida Ranch Remodel** *(in Design Dilemma)* I'm buying my first home and found a good deal on a 1966 ranch. It's a bit drab and dated at the moment but it has tons of potential. I plan on doing a complete remodel and perhaps one day an addition on the back to add a master suite. I'm thinking of starting with the floors, doors, and some paint (inside and out); then moving on to other renovations one by one. If anyone has any ideas or advice I'd love to hear them. Kitchen Master Bedroom Master BathFront BathroomLiving Room with Bay WindowKitchen view from dining area2nd BedroomBack of HouseFamily RoomFront of House A: Hi Joshua, I agree the AC company is responsible for fixing the ceiling-100%. They know it too, so stick with it and get them to fix it. The good news is, the ceiling pattern is not that hard to replicate. I've personally done it so I know an experienced drywall/mud guy can too. It is just skimmed out and a wallpaper smoothing brush lightly moved over it keeping one end in place and pivoting. Too bad about the floors, but I wonder if just repairing the areas to match the existing parquet would be less expensive and quicker. Even if the repair isn't a perfect match, your furniture will probably partially cover it and make it unnoticeable. Just thinking of ways to save you money so you can spend it on things more important to you :) **Q: Need help re-doing our bathroom** *(in Design Dilemma)* We recently purchased a small apartment for my parents and I need to redo the bathroom as it is stuck in the 1970's. It is a quite a small bathroom measuring 2.1meters x 1.9meters I was thinking of removing the bathtub and having a walk-in shower with a shower head and also include a bench and hand shower as my dad is elderly and would like to make it comfortable for him. However I think the window is in the way. How do I incorporate this idea? I would also like to include some shower niches and 'floating' basins and toilet as well as use rectangular tiles to give the illusion of space (all credits to Houzz and pros advice). I would also like to do everything in neutrals like beige. Is there anything else you could suggest in terms of space and storage as well as layout that I could consider? Also how do I make the window more attractive? am planning on replacing the painted glass with frosted glass to let more natural light into the bathroom as well. I am including the pictures of the bathroom as is and will definitely post the 'after' pictures once the project is complete. Thanks for all your help. A: Is it possible for you to swap the positions of the toilet and the sink? **Q: Ideas for Bathroom Curb Caps** *(in Design Dilemma)* What can be used to create a curb cap top? I'm told the tile w/ grout and glass setting on top isn't the cleanest/neatest way to go. A: Hi Bellycat! When I saw your question I was surprised at how much I had to say about such a seemingly simple thing. So, here goes!! My greatest concern in a shower, or wet environment, is ease of cleaning and keeping it clean. Anywhere there is grout, the surface is rough and slightly recessed. That means it stays wet longer and the rough surface gives mildew a place to hide. The less grout the better, in my opinion! However, using something like a travertine or marble slab usually means there will be a slight overhang either on one side or both. The overhang results in a space under it that is hard to get at to clean, again, mildew. Also, natural stone products are very susceptible to pitting from cleaning products. Even vinegar will damage them. Once you have a pitted surface, you might as well have grout. See the problem?? LOL! I think if the shower curb is constructed using the proper materials, leaking shouldn't be a problem. The curb doesn't typically get, or stay, nearly as wet as the shower floor, and shower floors are tiled and grouted all the time. I guess when weighing the pros and cons of each, I would vote for tile. It is what I used in my own shower. **Q: Paint selection for "lighthouse" room** *(in Design Dilemma)* We have an octagonal addition on our house, that was painted with a cloud mural. We have just finished covering most of the ceiling with white shiplap, and need to select a paint color for the walls and section of second story (where the clouds still remain). I am leaning towards a nautical essence, but don't want to get too much of a theme going...any suggestions for color? Thanks! A: I usually consider furnishings when choosing paint colors and suggest you do the same, but...without seeing furnishings, I'm leaning toward what may be too obvious of a choice, a soft blue/gray. What a beautiful space! --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-30.*